AIR TRACTOR INC AT-402B near Alcolu, SC — 2010-06-10

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree. Contributing to the accident was the sunglare.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he was conducting an aerial application flight over a field. His vision was obstructed by glare from the sun, and he did not see a dead tree in front of the airplane until “it was too late.” The airplane impacted the tree and descended into the field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. He further reported about 14,000 hours of total flight experience, which included 4,700 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane.

NTSB coding

• Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) · Maneuvering-low-alt flying
• Attention / Monitoring

Evidence available

• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Memorandum for Record: Phone Interview with Pilotinterview

Related mishaps

• BRUNNER DONALD G KITFOX

  2026-03-10 · Rock Crossing, AZ

• BELL 206L-3

  2026-01-15 · Logsden, OR

• TECNAM P2008

  2025-11-10 · Blackfoot, ID

• PIPER PA-25-235

  2025-08-23 · Argusville, ND

• BELL 206B

  2025-07-27 · North Bend, NE

• WEATHERLY AVIATION CO INC 620B

  2025-07-23 · Rushmore, MN